Install OPNsense Firewall: Full Guide

How to Install OPNsense Firewall: A Comprehensive Guide

OPNsense is a powerful open-source firewall and routing platform that provides comprehensive security features suitable for both home and enterprise networks. This guide will walk you through the process of installing OPNsense, ensuring your network is fortified against threats.

Prerequisites

A computer with at least two network interfaces.
An installed hypervisor (for virtual installations) or a bootable USB drive.
An active internet connection for downloading OPNsense.
Basic knowledge of networking.

Step 1: Download OPNsense

First, you need to download the OPNsense iso file from the official OPNsense website (Official site). Choose the appropriate version based on your hardware architecture.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB

Use tools like Rufus (if using Windows) or the dd command (if using Linux) to create a bootable USB drive with the downloaded OPNsense iso file. Make sure your system is set to boot from USB in the BIOS settings.

Step 3: Install OPNsense

Insert the bootable USB into your target machine and start it up.
Follow the onscreen prompts to begin the installation process.
Select the installation type (i.e., Guided Installation for simplicity).
Configure the disk layout and proceed with the installation.

Upon completion, you will be prompted to remove the USB stick and restart the machine.

Step 4: Initial Configuration

After rebooting, log in using default credentials (username: root, password: opnsense) and start the initial configuration wizard. This will guide you through setting up the web interface, configuring the WAN and LAN interfaces, and changing the default password.

Step 5: Accessing the Web Interface

Using a web browser, navigate to the LAN IP address of your OPNsense installation to access the web interface. Here, you can manage all settings and additional features.

Troubleshooting

If the installation fails to boot, verify you’re using the correct architecture version of OPNsense.
Ensure that the network interfaces are properly connected and configured.